These results indicate that the maternal psychological state may affect the immune properties of breast milk.

The SIgA levels gradually decreased up to week 12. However, the concentration of SIgA in breast milk did not change constantly. It changed relatively rapid until 4 weeks after childbirth, and because the concentration from the third day to the eighth week became 50%, it was understood that the change was temporal.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in pregnant women on birth outcomes. MethodsThe subjects were 179 females after Week 28 of pregnancy who had undergone pregnancy checkups in one obstetric hospital. We calculated the peripheral arterial blood ODI per hour during sleep at night by dividing the frequency at which the oxygen saturation did not reach the reference value by the duration of examination using a pulse oximeter.Concerning the criteria, patients with a 3%ODI of less than 0.5 were regarded as showing the absence of SDB, those with values ranging from 0.5 to 4.9 as showing the normal range, those with values ranging from 5 to 14.9 as having mild SDB, those with values ranging from 15 to 29.9 as having moderate SDB, and those with a 3%ODI of 30 or more as having severe SDB.Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the birth outcomes associated with SDB. ResultsThe 3%ODI was less than 0.5 in 38 (21.2%), 0.5 to 4.9 in 119 (66.5%), and 5 to 14.9 in 22 (12.3%). Therefore, we compared a mild SDB group (3%ODI≥5, n=22) with a normal group (3%ODI<5, n=157).We calculated the adjusted odds ratio (OR), regarding parity and obesity as confounding variables. Regarding spontaneous vaginal birth as the baseline, the adjusted OR of elective or emergency cesarean birth (CB)/vacuum extraction was 3.03 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.10-8.33). Regarding elective CB/spontaneous vaginal birth as the baseline, the adjusted OR of emergency CB/vacuum extraction was 5.18 (95%CI: 1.44-18.65). ConclusionMild SDB in pregnant women suggested that influence to the birth outcomes. Therefore, screening with a pulse-oximeter should be effectively utilized in multiparas with a history of spontaneous abortion and pregnant women complaining of frequent awakening at night or sleep disturbance. In addition, early intervention to improve the state of sleep and treat sleep disturbance may be necessary to promote a safer pregnancy.

No abstract

The only association found in our study was between the salivary and breast milk SIgA. The lack of association among SIgA and cortisol may be related to a variety of factors such as production site, diurnal rhythms, and the interval between stress stimulation in mothers and the response of the biomarker.

This study aimed to clarify the emotional changes that occur in couples immediately after the birth of their first child.

In postpartum mental health, postpartum depression is a serious disorder. In Japan, the Japanese version of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) has been used to screen for postpartum depression, but it has not screened all mothers at risk. Therefore, we examined objective indicators that reflect the psychological state of the mother, which can be used in conjunction with the EPDS to accurately screen mothers at risk. This study examined the relationship between maternal psychological status and urinary catecholamines and serotonin at 1-month postpartum. MethodsWe used the EPDS and Profile of Mood States Second Edition (POMS-2) to measure mothers' postpartum psychological state. Analysis was conducted on 94 women at their 1-month postpartum checkup in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Psychological state and biological state and background factors were analyzed using logistic regression analysis and multiple regression analysis. Urinary catecholamines and serotonin were measured as stress response and depression indicators. Background factors were age, parity, delivery method, support, and lactation status. ResultsHigher urinary noradrenaline levels were associated with an EPDS score. Lack of husband support was associated with higher POMS-2 Total Mood Disturbance, Confusion-Bewilderment, and Depression-Dejection scores. In addition, first-time mothers had higher Tension-Anxiety scores on POMS-2, and mothers using formula milk or mixed feeding scored higher on Confusion-Bewilderment. ConclusionThese results suggest that urinary noradrenaline reflects postpartum maternal depression. In addition, the husband's support, being primipara, and breastfeeding were associated with better mental health for mothers.

As postpartum depression has become a major problem, it is necessary to identify mothers who need intensive support to cope with this disorder. Therefore, by summarizing literature from the past five years, this study aimed to clarify the current progress of research on the usefulness of oxytocin as a biomarker for postpartum depression; it also aimed to discuss the prospects for future research based on these findings. Literature published from 2016 to 2020 that examined the relationship among postpartum psychological state, postpartum depression, and oxytocin using the Medical Journal Web and PubMed for local and international literature were reviewed respectively. The search was conducted using the following keywords: "oxytocin," "postpartum," "depression," "anxiety," "mentality," "sensation" and "psychology." Furthermore, research articles (original papers and research reports) were the main focus of the search. Seven articles were extracted from the search. All of them reported an association between oxytocin and maternal psychological state. However, the views among them differed, and studies on the usefulness of oxytocin as a biomarker of postpartum depression were limited. Although various methods have been utilized to measure oxytocin, this study highlights the need for more consistent research methods, accounting for individual differences and factors that may influence oxytocin levels, to ensure accurate oxytocin measurement. This will enable the development of preventative interventions in addressing postpartum depression.